John Michael Brandon (Mike) lived a life of dedication, love, and adventure. Cancer sadly ended his journey sooner than expected on September 1st 2026. He spent the last year and a half of his life surrounded by family and friends including his mother with whom he was living in Crossnore NC at the time of his passing.
Mike attended Appalachian State University and graduated with the class of ’84. He later moved to Phoenix AZ and began working for a company called Linear Fine Woodworking where he would remain for nearly 30 years until his final days. He started at Linear as an apprentice and worked his way up to General Manager of the company, a true testament to his dedication to learning and passion for building and creating things. Ultimately, he returned to Crossnore NC to be close to family and to aid in caring for his aging mother.
Mike was preceded in death by his father John David Brandon, his Step Father Sam Eugene Henson, his maternal grandmother and grandfather, Johanna and Reiner Witzenberger, and his paternal Grandmother Pauline Henson. He is survived by his mother Johanna Schilar Henson, his two brothers Thomas Andrew Brandon (Andy) and Rick Edmund Henson. He is also survived by his dog Benny, his cat Pete the Cat, his many nieces and nephews, dear cousins, and many many friends who had become his family over the years.
Mike found joy in camping, hiking, socializing and hosting pool parties. He enjoyed cooking and baking, going to concerts and festivals, spending time with his beloved animals, and finding the beauty in simple things like the grain of a piece of wood or sitting by the creek.
His celebration of life will take place on Saturday September 12th from 3-5pm at 1167 Green valley heights Sugar Grove NC, as well as a church service in his honor on Monday September 14th at 2pm at First Baptist Church Crossnore 220 East Crossnore Drive, Crossnore NC. The family welcomes anyone who loved Mike to attend one or both of these services.
Arrangements for Mike have been entrusted to the caring staff of Yancey Funeral Service in Burnsville, North Carolina. To send online condolences visit, www.yanceyfuneralservice.com